Riva Del Garda, Italy (May 31, 2017) - The Melges World League (MWL) racing season for the Melges 32 and Melges 20 fleets is in full swing, and the month of June will be by far, the most intense and challenging for all the teams in these incredible One Design fleets.

The Melges 32s will usher in its third MWL event this coming weekend in Riva Del Garda (June 2-4) organized by Fraglia Vela Riva. Lake Garda, well-known for its ideal racing conditions - in particular - its ‘wind factory,’ will give way to classic competition as it is the last standard regatta and a full-on warm-up to the European Championship in Sibenik, Croatia on July 20-22, and the World Championship in Cala Galera, Italy on August 22-26.

In virtual pole position is Matteo Balestrero’s GIOGI. He has so far, conquered Porto Venere and Scarlino, now Riva Del Garda is in his sights. It was on this very same playing field in 2016, that Balestrero was perceived as the ‘underdog’ as it was his official Melges 32 debut.

Among his toughest opponents are reigning Melges 32 European Champion Vincenzo Onorato’s Mascalzone Latino, and overall 2016 Circuit Champion Richard Goransson on Inga from Sweden. It will be his first appearance on the 2017 MWL stage.

Another rock solid and very confident team is Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio’s G-SPOT Melges 32 from Monaco. Currently seated second overall on the Melges 32 World League Ranking (After Two Events), he will certainly be on point and prepared to win.

Pavel Kuznetsov’s TAVATUY has also proven to be a formidable competitor in 2017, as has Andrea Lacorte’s VITAMINA AMERIKANA. Lacorte currently entertains the third overall position on the MWL ranking, but aims to collect more wins through consistent performances.

Riva Del Garda is poised to kick off three consecutive weekends of Melges racing — post the Melges 32s this weekend, the Melges 20s will race for the first time ever in Zadar, Croatia on June 9-11. On June 14-17, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, Italy will officially commence the Melges 40 Grand Prix racing season.

The Melges 32 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine Italia, Toremar, Lavazza and Barracuda Communication.

MEDIA AND RACING COVERAGEAs with all Melges 32 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Melges 32 Facebook Page. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews, and photos. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post-racing at melges32.com.